Construction for $5 million Hilltop project could begin this summer

After over a decade's worth of buildup and anticipation, the start of construction for two new recreational fields may finally be coming to fruition in Verona.

Plans to turn a portion of the Hilltop Reservation into a recreation hub include the construction of two fields,a playground, concession area, restrooms, walking trails, and parking lots.

Township Manager Joseph Martin, describing the process as "an odyssey" that has been "discussed, massaged and fine tuned for years," said Monday that the plan to construct the pair of turf fields at Hilltop Reservation is near completion.

During the March 4 council meeting, Township Engineer Jim Helb presented a slideshow of the latest guidelines for the additions. Helb's slides displayed a view of the potential future for Hilltop with two major turfs, lighted facilities, a restroom and snack stand to further the recreation opportunities offered in town, in addition to the space available at Centennial Field.

Though still in the "strictly conceptual" phase, according to Martin, a 900-seat amphitheater could eventually join the two fields to support artistic venues and complement the athletics.

A tentative plan indicates that construction on the fields could begin this summer, with both areas being built simultaneously, according to Helb's presentation. The work could last for 18 months, Helb explained, with the building of the amphitheater set to follow the completion of the fields, should it be approved.

Martin said the estimated cost of the project is $5 million. The price was previously reported as $4 million as of October of 2012.

Mayor Frank Sapienza said he and Councilman Jay Sniatkowski attended a meeting with recreation officials in town and, "as far as scheduling is concerned, [the additional fields] are something that's needed.

"It's a very positive project," Sapienza added. "A number of teams can't get on field, or are practicing at 9:30, 10 or 11 at night and that's not healthy for them. I'm looking forward to this coming forward."

The increase in playing grounds could potentially ease the scheduling process for many sports in Verona including football, soccer, softball, baseball and lacrosse.

Sniatkowski said he's glad to see the situation moving forward.

"I've been up here 12 years and the one thing I've been consistent on is increased recreation activities for our community," he explained. "Each year, our facilities are more and more taxed. I'm amazed about the explosion [of youth sports]. Twelve years ago when the town started lacrosse it was a once every two-week clinic, and now it has hundreds of kids."

Martin said the first bids for Hilltop land began in 1998 and 1999, with Helb describing the growth over the years of purchasing more land and the construction of the town's community center and Centennial Field as progress in the plan.

As far as the amphitheater goes, Councilman Michael Nochimson said it was a "sexy addition" to Hilltop Reservation that presents itself well to the entire community. Nochimson said the venue makes Verona unique, but he added that the key for making the project happen centers around the price tag.

"It's the right plan," Nochimson said, "But can we get it at the right funding?"

Helb estimated the cost of the amphitheater to be around $1.5 million and also said by constructing the two fields concurrently, it will save 20 to 30 percent compared to building the fields separately.

Martin said there are still a few options for payment of the project: The township could fund it over a two-year period in order to defer money to a subsequent year, or look to short-term debt with less than a 1 percent interest rate for the first three years and then convert to long-term debt for a 20-year period.

He added that no property tax dollars are required for the project and that the income from Hilltop will cover the debt service.

The Hilltop was also designated by the county as an area in need of redevelopment, Martin said, so the town was able to take advantage of a tax abatement provision of local finance law.

Construction for $5 million Hilltop project could begin this summer

Plans to turn a portion of the Hilltop Reservation into a recreation hub include the construction of two fields,a playground, concession area, restrooms, walking trails, and parking lots.

By Joshua Jongsma

Sports Editor |

Verona-Cedar Grove Times

After over a decade's worth of buildup and anticipation, the start of construction for two new recreational fields may finally be coming to fruition in Verona.

Township Manager Joseph Martin, describing the process as "an odyssey" that has been "discussed, massaged and fine tuned for years," said Monday that the plan to construct the pair of turf fields at Hilltop Reservation is near completion.

During the March 4 council meeting, Township Engineer Jim Helb presented a slideshow of the latest guidelines for the additions. Helb's slides displayed a view of the potential future for Hilltop with two major turfs, lighted facilities, a restroom and snack stand to further the recreation opportunities offered in town, in addition to the space available at Centennial Field.

Though still in the "strictly conceptual" phase, according to Martin, a 900-seat amphitheater could eventually join the two fields to support artistic venues and complement the athletics.

A tentative plan indicates that construction on the fields could begin this summer, with both areas being built simultaneously, according to Helb's presentation. The work could last for 18 months, Helb explained, with the building of the amphitheater set to follow the completion of the fields, should it be approved.

Martin said the estimated cost of the project is $5 million. The price was previously reported as $4 million as of October of 2012.

Mayor Frank Sapienza said he and Councilman Jay Sniatkowski attended a meeting with recreation officials in town and, "as far as scheduling is concerned, [the additional fields] are something that's needed.

"It's a very positive project," Sapienza added. "A number of teams can't get on field, or are practicing at 9:30, 10 or 11 at night and that's not healthy for them. I'm looking forward to this coming forward."

The increase in playing grounds could potentially ease the scheduling process for many sports in Verona including football, soccer, softball, baseball and lacrosse.

Sniatkowski said he's glad to see the situation moving forward.

"I've been up here 12 years and the one thing I've been consistent on is increased recreation activities for our community," he explained. "Each year, our facilities are more and more taxed. I'm amazed about the explosion [of youth sports]. Twelve years ago when the town started lacrosse it was a once every two-week clinic, and now it has hundreds of kids."

Martin said the first bids for Hilltop land began in 1998 and 1999, with Helb describing the growth over the years of purchasing more land and the construction of the town's community center and Centennial Field as progress in the plan.

As far as the amphitheater goes, Councilman Michael Nochimson said it was a "sexy addition" to Hilltop Reservation that presents itself well to the entire community. Nochimson said the venue makes Verona unique, but he added that the key for making the project happen centers around the price tag.

"It's the right plan," Nochimson said, "But can we get it at the right funding?"

Helb estimated the cost of the amphitheater to be around $1.5 million and also said by constructing the two fields concurrently, it will save 20 to 30 percent compared to building the fields separately.

Martin said there are still a few options for payment of the project: The township could fund it over a two-year period in order to defer money to a subsequent year, or look to short-term debt with less than a 1 percent interest rate for the first three years and then convert to long-term debt for a 20-year period.

He added that no property tax dollars are required for the project and that the income from Hilltop will cover the debt service.

The Hilltop was also designated by the county as an area in need of redevelopment, Martin said, so the town was able to take advantage of a tax abatement provision of local finance law.